Showing the instinctive prowess of a man whose aim it is to score rather than stop goals, the Belgian’s clever run bought him time in the box and allowed him to sweep a curling effort into the top corner.

Reflecting on the win, Kompany said: “It sounds like a good joke [a defender winning the award].

“It goes in the list of many surprising things I’ve been so lucky to be involved with at City. This one is completely unexpected.

“I received so many congratulations for that goal, but it’s nice to be in the boots of those strikers for once.

“I’ve usually headed the balls in, but to get an opportunity to get such a goal, I know what it feels like to be like Kun, even if it’s just for a moment.”